Yes!!!  Many times the woman will not be admitted to the hospital or administered any anesthesia until at least 3-4cm dilation and regular strong contractions. Early labor (0-4cm) lasts anywhere from 9-20 hours and sometimes longer. There is a lot of work to be done before you are ready for that epidural. Also, the epidural does not stop labor hopefully it only takes an edge off the pain or takes the pain away so one feels only pressure. There work of the doula only changes with the epidural it is certainly not diminished. The doula will help the mom change positions in bed to keep the anesthesia even on both sides of her body. She will massage her hands, feet, and pressure points to improve circulation and keep labor progressing (sometimes labor slows or stops due to epidural anesthesia). She will help her manage any pain she may feel (it is not uncommon to still have some pain, even with an epidural, or have hot spots localized pain in certain  areas of the body). Most importantly, the doula is their to coach the woman through the pushing stage as pushing tends to be prolonged and more challenging with epidural anesthesia.